Trip #601 Ravilla Avenue, Carrick, Pittsburgh took place on June 18, 2021, and was published on June 23, 2021.
One of the reasons I enjoy exploring the city steps is that it satisfies my curiosity about people’s lives. Each new flight feels a bit like being welcomed into a house that isn’t mine. As I meander around, I notice how many things are similar, but there’s always something unique to catch my attention. It might be the street, the trees, the buildings, or the people I meet. Creative landscaping (a necessity on hilly terrain) and the decor that fills people’s porches, patios, and yards is frequently a feast for my eyes. On temperate days, music or snippets of conversations float from open windows, and all manner of dogs and cats communicate their curiosity about MY presence. Like walking a nature trail, I respect the rule of “take only photographs, leave only footprints” except when it comes to wild mulberries, strawberries, and raspberries! 🙂 Everywhere I go feels like home.
Field Notes: On the day of my visit, there were several people outside the house at the top of the flight. The porch was very nicely decorated with dark blue curtains and comfortable furniture and the back patio was being “redd up” (as they say in Pittsburgh) by a woman and a man. It all had a very welcoming feeling – although I’m sure the old welcome mat at the bottom of the stairs had nothing to do with that!
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling.
